Hey everyone! I'm super excited to dive into the world of 3D printing! As a complete beginner, I’d love to hear your tips and recommendations on where to start. What printer do you suggest for newbies? Any must-know resources? Thanks in advance!
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts! #3DPrint #Newbie #3DPrintingCommunity
#3DPrinting #Beginner #MakerCommunity
#3DPrinting #AdviceNeeded #CreativeCommunity

Balancing Privacy and Assistive Technology: The Case for Large Language Models

In today’s digital world, the tension between privacy and technology is more pronounced than ever. I’m deeply concerned about the implications of surveillance capitalism—especially the spyware embedded in our devices, cars, and even our bodies. This pervasive technology can lead to a loss of autonomy and a feeling of being constantly monitored. Yet, amidst these concerns, assistive technology plays a critical role, particularly for those of us with neurological impairments.

I recently read a thought-provoking post by @serge that highlighted the importance of sharing perspectives on this issue.

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With the rise of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, we’re seeing a shift toward more accessible and user-friendly technology. Local LLMs offer a viable alternative to big tech solutions, often running on specially laptops or even compact devices like Raspberry Pi. For many, including myself, LLMs are invaluable tools that enhance communication, summarize information, transcribe voice, facilitate learning, and help manage tasks that might otherwise feel overwhelming. They can help strike the right emotional tone in our writing and assist in understanding complex data—capabilities that are especially crucial for those of us facing neurological challenges.

While the goal of eliminating surveillance capitalism is commendable, banning technology outright isn’t the answer. We must recognize the significance of LLMs for individuals with disabilities. Calls to remove these technologies can overlook their profound impact on our lives. For many, LLMs are not just tools; they are lifelines that enable us to engage with the world more fully. Removing access to these resources would only isolate individuals who already face significant barriers. Instead, we should focus on utilizing local LLMs and other privacy-focused alternatives.

This situation underscores the need for a nuanced approach to the intersection of privacy and assistive technology. Open-source LLMs, like Piper, exemplify how we can create locally run voice models that are accessible to everyone, even on low-cost devices. Advocating for privacy must go hand in hand with considering the implications for those who rely on these technologies for daily functioning. Striking a balance between protecting individual privacy and ensuring access to vital assistive tools is not just necessary; it’s imperative.

In conclusion, LLMs represent a promising avenue for assisting individuals with neurological impairments. By embracing local and open-source solutions, we can protect our privacy while ensuring that everyone has access to the tools they need to thrive. The conversation around privacy and technology must continue, focusing on inclusivity and empowerment for all.

I use SpeechNotes installed locally all the time, and I’d love to hear how you use LLMs as assistive technology! Do you run your LLM locally? Share your experiences!

#PrivacyAdvocate #AssistiveTechnology #LLM #SurveillanceCapitalism #Neurodiversity #Accessibility #TechForGood #a11y #LocalLLM #LocalAI #FOSSai #opensource_ai

@nat
Debby: "I might be a tad overprotective, but hey, safety first, right? If someone prefers a face-to-face meeting but doesn’t have a negative COVID and flu test,
I’ve got just the thing!
I’ve got my stylish NBC suit ready to go—it's not only fashionable but also provides reliable protection from any potential threats. Who says you can’t look good while staying safe?

@Jerry @_elena I completely understand your concerns about Signal's server software being proprietary. It’s definitely a valid point, and I share your desire for more transparency in the tools we use. While Signal is a step in the right direction compared to unencrypted options, I agree that open-source solutions like XMPP offer a more decentralized and user-controlled approach.

Kudos to you for opening your own XMPP server! That’s an amazing initiative, and I’m excited to give it a try. It’s true that many people may not fully grasp the importance of these concepts yet, but every conversation we have helps raise awareness. Let’s keep spreading the word about the benefits of open-source and decentralized communication!

Thanks again for your insights, and I look forward to connecting on your server!

#OpenSource #XMPP #Decentralization #PrivacyAdvocate #CommunityDriven

Exciting news for privacy! The US government has officially recommended using Signal and other encrypted messaging apps after recent telecom hacks. This is a huge step forward in recognizing the importance of secure communication!

As someone who has always championed free and open-source software, I’m thrilled to see this acknowledgment from the government, especially given the increasing threats to our privacy. With the rise of surveillance and the potential for breaches in our communication networks, it’s more important than ever to prioritize encrypted messaging.

If even the CIA is warning us about the dangers of unencrypted communications, we should take it seriously! Let’s embrace tools that protect our privacy and autonomy. Remember, our digital safety is in our hands!

Have you made the switch to Signal or another secure messaging app, or know someone making it now?

#PrivacyMatters #OpenSource #Signal #EncryptedMessaging #DigitalSecurity #UserPrivacy #CISA #TechForGood #StaySafeOnline #FreeSoftware

Attention all custom ROM users and advocates for digital rights!

Google's Play Integrity is limiting access to certain functionalities and applications for those using custom operating systems. This is a direct attack on the open-source community and a step towards further consolidating Google's monopoly in the mobile ecosystem.

The European Commission is aware of the situation, but has deemed it a low priority: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/PETI-CM-757267_EN.pdf

It's time for us to take action and show Google and the EU how much we care about this issue!

Sign the petition now to stop Google from limiting access to custom ROMs: https://www.change.org/p/stop-google-from-limiting-custom-roms

#StopGoogleMonopoly #CustomROMs #DigitalRights #OpenSource #PlayIntegrity #Google #deGoogle #privacy #right2repair #rightorepair #r2r #EU

Let's unite and fight for our right to use and develop custom operating systems!